Some Valuable Clotheskeeping Tips & Tricks

Tina, here.

How did cleaning out your closet go? Don't worry, if you haven't tackled it yet, you've still got plenty more Winter days ahead before Spring arrives when you'll be chomping at the bit for a fresh look. And the best way to get there is to clean out the old and make room for the new. I can't wait to start talking about Spring style! But first, let's talk about some clotheskeeping tips and tricks to keep your closet in tip-top shape.

Clotheskeeping Tips & Tricks

Related: Tina's Wardrobe and Style Hacks

1. Treating & Preventing Moth Holes

If you see moth holes, immediately remove the garment(s) from your household and take to the dry cleaners. You can also freeze your clothing to freeze the eggs (I do this). They are drawn to organic matter like perspiration, body oils and bits of food on your clothing, so you want to remove all that first by cleaning.

Mothballs stink and smell like your granddad's sweaters. And cedar is not much better. To deter moths, place little sachets filed with crushed peppercorns, yes peppercorns. Eucalyptus and lavender work as well, just don't use the oils.

 

2. Washing Delicates

The reason your bras and other delicates look tired, sad and even yellow is because they don't like to be washed with towels and t-shirts. They really prefer hand washing. But, yeah, I know, the time? So, put them inside mesh bags, snap all closures and wash them on the delicate cycle. Extra points for using a delicates-only detergent. Then and this is the most important step, hang them to dry. The heat from the dryer wears out the elastic. And makes them look lumpy and dumpy on you.

3. Hanging Delicate Garments

You know how you get those indentions on your suede or silk pants and skirts for the hangers? (And I do prefer almost everything being hung rather than folded.) Take the foam inserts that come inside your shoe boxes and re-purpose them as hanger protectors for all your delicate fabrics like suede, leather, velvet, and silk. If you usually leave the shoe box at the store when you buy new shoes, grab the foam first!

4. Cleaning Leather

You can keep your leather handbags, shoes and boots looking pristine with just one simple step. After each wear, glide a leather sponge over them to restore their lustre and keep the leather from becoming dry.  I promise, it is worth the extra step.

5. Storing Out-Of-Season Garments

Plastic is an enemy of clothing. It traps moisture and can cause premature yellowing of your garments. As soon as your dry-cleaning comes home, remove the plastic. And when you are storing your out-of-season clothing, hang them in canvas garment bags.

 

6. Healing For Cracked Hands & Feet

Winter can be so harsh on our hands and feet. The dry air inside, the cold air outside, and lack of manis and pedis on my part. An age-old trick that really works is to, at night before bed, take the best hand cream you can buy and smother your hands and feet in it, then wrap them in plastic wrap, and put gloves and socks on over the plastic. When you remove them in the morning, you'll have soft hands and feet. My mother used to do this and I saw the magic!

Isn't winter just great! I actually love it. It seems like I get this hankering to do these homekeeping projects. Good luck and thanks for reading!

Be sure to check out all my Latest Loves, where you can shop all my favorites.

Best,

Tina

 

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